Jambojet to launch flights to Lamu, Malindi and Ukunda

NAIROBI: Kenyan low cost carrier Jambojet will on March 28 launch flights to three new destinations in the country's coastal region, namely Lamu, Malindi and Ukunda, from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The airline, which will commemorate one year of operations on April 1, is targeting the growing domestic travel market comprising tourists, traders, investors, government workers and employees of local and international aid agencies to cement its position in Kenya's nascent low cost airline market.

DOMESTIC TOURISM

The move by Jambojet is also likely to be well-received by the tourism sector, which has been pushing domestic tourism as a recovery measure following decline in foreign guest arrivals linked to insecurity.

Jambojet fares from Nairobi to Lamu will start at Sh5,950 ($65); Nairobi to Malindi Sh4,950 ($55); Nairobi to Ukunda Sh4,950 ($55) all one way (including taxes). The airline will also operate short flights connecting Lamu and Malindi at Sh2,950 ($33).

According to Jambojet CEO Willem Hondius, the airline has chartered one Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft from DAC Aviation to service the new routes. This type of aircraft is capable of operating at shorter runways but performs like a jet plane in terms of speed and comfort.

"We have chartered this aircraft to complement our current fleet of three Boeing 737 planes which are serving the existing routes. However, the Q400 will also be utilised on Kisumu and Eldoret in order to improve services on these two routes," said Hondius.